Tekka is a condiment that consists of sesame seeds and a number of root vegetables (greater burdock roots, carrots, ginger root and lotus root) finely grated and stir-fried in sesame oil and boiled with hatcho (soya bean) miso, until it is reduced down to a concentrated powder. Traditional preparation time used to be 16 hours (on a low fire), yet speedier preparation is possible. As the flavour is so powerful it only needs to be used in small amounts and is usually sprinkled over cooked grains, noodles, potatoes, vegetables or salads.
